Madumo, A Man Bewitched

Madumo, a Man Bewitched is a 2000 non-fiction anthropology book written by Australian social scientist and professor Adam Ashforth.

Madumo, a Man Bewitched
Cover of Madumo
AuthorAdam Ashforth
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
GenreNon-fiction,
Anthropology
PublisherUniversity of Chicago Press
Publication date
June 15, 2000
Media typePrint Hardback
Pages264 pp (first edition, hardback)
ISBN0226029719 (first edition, hardback)

Synopsis

The book chronicles Ashforth's experiences with Madumo, a South African man that believes that witchcraft is to blame for his bad luck. Ashforth, who has been friends with Madumo for many years, agrees to help finance his exorcism and healing with an inyanga.

Reception

Critical reception for Madumo has been positive, with Publishers Weekly calling the story was "compelling".[1] Frank Salamone of Iona College praised the book, saying it was "a fine example of blurred genres and the way in which such an account can illuminate important cultural issues".[2] Salon.com wrote that Madumo was "a warm, colorful book", citing Ashforth's credibility as a highlight of the book.[3] The Village Voice praised the book's descriptions and social commentary.[4]

Kirkus Reviews stated that the book was "a persuasive and interesting account that gets lost in the drawn-out and diffused story of an unorthodox healing".[5] Suomen Antropologi expressed concern over Ashforth vocalizing Madumo's inner thoughts, saying "How can Ashforth know exactly what Madumo is thinking and the peculiar logic which informs his thoughts?"[6]

References
  1. Nonfiction review: Madumo, a Man Bewitched Publishers Weekly
  2. Salamone, Frank A.. "Madumo: A Man Bewitched. (Book Reviews)." Africa Today. Indiana University Press. 2001.
  3. “The Burning of Bridget Cleary” and “Madumo: A Man Bewitched” Salon.com
  4. Breaking the Spell Village Voice
  5. Review: Madumo Kirkus Reviews
  6. Laterza, Vito. The Ethnographic Novel: Another Literary Skeleton in the Anthropological Closet? Suomen Antropologi: Journal of the Finnish Anthropological Society. 32 (2) Summer 2007, p. 132
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